Activist Brenda Tracy Draws Parallels Between Her Own Rape Ordeal and Cornell University Allegations
Tracy, who was sexually assaulted by college athletes, speaks out amid ongoing protests at Cornell over a recent gang rape accusation.
Activist Brenda Tracy has drawn parallels between her own experience of sexual assault by college athletes and a recent gang rape accusation that has sparked widespread protests at Cornell University. Tracy, who was sexually assaulted in 1998 by four men, including two rising stars on the Oregon State University football team, has spoken out as Cornell faces scrutiny over allegations made against members of the Chi Phi fraternity.
Tracy's account, detailed in a civil lawsuit filed last month, describes waking up naked and bruised after the assault. She stated that at the time of the incident, none of the accused men denied her account when interviewed by police. However, she opted not to press charges, a decision she claims led to her being vilified. Records indicate that after a lengthy investigation, two of Tracy's alleged attackers, both college football players, received a one-game suspension, a consequence she felt was insufficient and made her feel worthless.
IMAGE2 Brenda Tracy was a 24-year-old single mother of two at the time of the alleged assault. She said it took her years to reconcile with the ordeal.
IMAGE3 Brenda Tracy accused four men of rape in 1998. Two were rising stars on the Oregon State University football team.
IMAGE8 A gang rape accusation made in a civil lawsuit filed in New York last month against seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity sparked national debate and thrust Cornell University into the spotlight of scrutiny; four of the seven have publicly denied the allegations.
Cornell's campus has seen numerous protests in recent weeks, with students calling for change and accountability from university officials. Tracy said she recognizes a series of troubling similarities between her own experience and the case of Jane Doe, the accuser in the Cornell lawsuit. The athlete's union at Cornell has been particularly active in demanding action.
IMAGE7 Tracy said she recognizes a series of parallels between her and Jane Doe's story - similarities that trouble her.
IMAGE4 OSU's then-coach, Mike Riley, later apologized to Tracy and invited her to speak to his team at the University Nebraska.
Oregon State University's then-coach, Mike Riley, later apologized to Tracy and invited her to speak to his team at the University of Nebraska. Tracy's advocacy work aims to bring attention to the issue of sexual assault on college campuses and encourage institutions to adopt more effective measures for addressing such incidents and supporting survivors.